Feather pecking
Tackling the problem of feather pecking
Organic production practices help conventional poultry breeders. Feather pecking is a major problem in poultry farming. That is why the Louis Bolk Institute started the project 'From chick to hen'. In this project, finished in the beginning of 2011, organic poultry production methods were applied in conventional poultry farms. By providing more room for natural behaviour such as scratching and foraging, feather pecking is minimized. The project is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation EL&I, the Rabobank and the Steering Group for Agricultural Innovation in Brabant. The project was implemented on various poultry farms of Interbroed.
Roughage and feed grain essential for healthy chickens
The most important conclusion of the project is that farmers largely recover the costs on roughage. The chickens are more healthy and calm, which leads to a more stable productivity. The poultry farms are even more satisfied with the higher quality of chickens delivered by the breeding companies. Roughage, straw and feed grain are obliged at these poultry farms by now.
Solutions that work for the chicken and the poultry farmer
In our innovative demonstration project we have taken the interests of both poultry farmers and chickens into account. Providing adequate litter - including alfalfa, straw and feed grain - allowed the chickens to spend more time on foraging. Our researchers monitored chicken behaviour and collect growth and mortality data. Webcams in the poultry house allowed other farmers to observe for themselves the effect of animal-friendly production methods.Sharing knowledge with commercial breeders and hobby farmers
The Louis Bolk Institute has shared the knowledge and experience gained in this project with all interested parties. As it turns out, not only commercial poultry breeders in the conventional sector but also hobby farmers find our recommendations useful. Whether a commercial or hobby farm, providing an animal-friendly environment that invites natural behaviour is the key to preventing feather pecking.For more information please contact Jan-Paul Wagenaar.
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Summary breeding companies (in Dutch)
Summary poultry farms (in Dutch)
Animal welfare
Summary breeding companies (in Dutch)
Summary poultry farms (in Dutch)
Animal welfare